Biodiesel and WVO - SVO links thread.

[automch]

I have been making and using B100 for 8 years in all my diesel vehicles and was very interested in "Diesel Secret". Spent the money to try it....big mistake. It just doesn't work as described. My advise is don't waste your money. There really seems to be no alternative to the transesterfication process to make BioDiesel. Or if you really want to run SVO, then make the modifications. Just expect shorter injector and engine life.

Originally Posted by gear-head

Has anybody used any of those "destilling" systems where you preprocess the used wvo before you pour it into the car's tank so that the car doesn't need any modifications? Anybody have any comments to make about that?

[Bio300TDTdriver]

Originally Posted by automch

I have been making and using B100 for 8 years in all my diesel vehicles and was very interested in "Diesel Secret". Spent the money to try it....big mistake. It just doesn't work as described. My advise is don't waste your money. There really seems to be no alternative to the transesterfication process to make BioDiesel. Or if you really want to run SVO, then make the modifications. Just expect shorter injector and engine life.

8 years, that's damn impressive. I'm sure I didn't know what biodiesel was 8 years ago.

[gear-head]

Originally Posted by automch

...been making and using B100 for 8 years...was very interested in "Diesel Secret". Spent the money to try it....big mistake...don't waste your money...no alternative to the transesterfication process...if you really want to run SVO, then make the modifications. Just expect shorter injector and engine life.

Wow, thanks so much for your response! Seems like you are just the kind of person I'd like to learn from. I don't know what this "Diesel Secret" thing is but I appreciate the heads up. I'm thinking that from what little I know about it so far, I do not want to modify my car, I'm thinking what I'd like to find out about is the "home brewing" or "distilling" or is it called "transesterfication process"? Anyway, I'm interested in finding out about the processes and systems where you process used cooking waste oil, possibly even motor oil? I sure don't want to run the risk of reduced injector or engine life. I sure would like to know what system(s) you (have) use(d) and what you have learned, if you don't mind? I've looked in to a number of sites advertising systems but you know how that is, they are all interested in selling their's and I'd like to learn from someone who isn't trying to sell me something of their's

[automch]

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. The cost of a prebuilt processor is unreasonable to me so I make my own. I use an open drum while some guys mak a processr from an old hot water heater. Basically I heat40 gallons of waste vegetable oil to 120 degrees F. In a seperate container I mix 8 gallons of methanol with 4 lbs of potassium hydroxide. After the oil is heated and the KOH(potassium Hydroxide) is dissolved, it is then mixed with the heated oil for on hour. Let it sit overnight and on the bottom will be 8 gallons mol of glycerine and on top will be 40 gallons mol of biodiesel. I then air wash it to remove residual methanol, filter and pump into my stoage container. Hands on time is roughly 1 to 2 hours per 40 gallon batch.
Safety, Safeth, Safeth

1. Never breath the methanol fumes!

2. Do not allow the methanol to spash on your skin.

3. Never breath the fumes of the MeOH - KOH mixture.

4. Wear long sleeves, do not get the KOH on your skin or breath the dust.

5. Have spill containment equipment ready.

6. Check local laws and ordinances to be sure you are legal.

7. Never make it in a confined space (anywhere indoors). Outdoors with a roof only is best imho.


Search the internet and see the different processors that you can build and for all the safety asects of doing this.

This is notfor everyone. Grease is messy and you will have spills. But it is very rewarding know you are not supporting some arab somewhere by importing foreign oil for your fuel.

Originally Posted by gear-head

Wow, thanks so much for your response! Seems like you are just the kind of person I'd like to learn from. I don't know what this "Diesel Secret" thing is but I appreciate the heads up. I'm thinking that from what little I know about it so far, I do not want to modify my car, I'm thinking what I'd like to find out about is the "home brewing" or "distilling" or is it called "transesterfication process"? Anyway, I'm interested in finding out about the processes and systems where you process used cooking waste oil, possibly even motor oil? I sure don't want to run the risk of reduced injector or engine life. I sure would like to know what system(s) you (have) use(d) and what you have learned, if you don't mind? I've looked in to a number of sites advertising systems but you know how that is, they are all interested in selling their's and I'd like to learn from someone who isn't trying to sell me something of their's

[gear-head]

Thanks for your response and informative input! Very interesting! The wait was well worth it to me!

[Simpler=Better]

I'm in the process of developing an exhaust-heated SVO system.
Basically, I am creating a secondary coolant circuit complete with thermostat, radiator, reservoir, and aux pump. When it's said and done I should have a 2nd coolant circuit that gets up to ~200F and then stays there, no matter the EGTs.

[automch]

You are very welcome. The great thing about BioDiesel is you do not modify the car. If need arrises you cna mix in petrodiesell or switch from one to the other at any time.

Originally Posted by gear-head

Thanks for your response and informative input! Very interesting! The wait was well worth it to me!

[freesoul]

Originally Posted by automch

In a seperate container I mix 8 gallons of methanol with 4 lbs of potassium hydroxide.

If you are using waste vegetable oil, the amount of catalyst depends on the titration of your oil, which is measuring the amount of free fatty acids using pH. You must be accurate in this measurement if you want well reacted fuel.

[automch]

Actually after doing this for 8 years I have found this formula works every time for me. Yes, titration is the most accurate way of determining the exact amount of catalyst. So I may spend a few cents more due to using more catyalyst than a titration would call for. It is just simpler, quicker and fits my need by doing it this way. I have taught over 50 people who are using my formula sucessfully.

Originally Posted by freesoul

If you are using waste vegetable oil, the amount of catalyst depends on the titration of your oil, which is measuring the amount of free fatty acids using pH. You must be accurate in this measurement if you want well reacted fuel.

[freesoul]

Originally Posted by automch

Actually after doing this for 8 years I have found this formula works every time for me. Yes, titration is the most accurate way of determining the exact amount of catalyst. So I may spend a few cents more due to using more catyalyst than a titration would call for. It is just simpler, quicker and fits my need by doing it this way. I have taught over 50 people who are using my formula sucessfully.

for smaller batches I guess that is fine, we make 150 gallons per week so those pennies add up. I do think you need to have some idea of your FFA content when you start- if you get it from the same place every week that is fine but we had some contamination the other week and it titrated at 21.

I just wouldnt advise someone new to biodiesel like you did, its not betty crocker cooking.

[marybeth]

simpler=better you may find one of the off the shelf kits from frybrid , greasecar a better use of your time.
easy and simple.

[hockeyboysomers]

Could you describe your process of air washing the biodiesel? Your method of making biodiesel is interesting. Could you use plastic 55 gal drums, or would you need metal drums? How do you remove the glycerine from the bottom of the drum? How do you dispose of the glycerine? Thanks Dave

[Heaven Net]

According to this online biodiesel winter mix calculator, B20 should be safe down to about 4F. There are some assumptions in the calculation, so be be safe, better fill up with more petro diesel to make it B5-B10 if you expect weather cooler than 10F.

I keep a little clear jar of whatever fuel mix I have in my truck on the front porch. Glance at it as I leave on a cool morning. If the sample is clear, so is my tank. If the sample is white/wispy, better stop at the local station and throw 5gals of regular petro-diesel in before I hit the interstate.

[snookwhaler]

For the people who are "buying it". What are you paying for B99 or B100 "on road"?

#2 is $2.60 to 2.75 around here. B99 was around $2.10. I just loaded up today for $2.24 per gallon. Demand is up and they were almost out at my local source.

I'm curious what others are paying in other parts of the state and or country.

[Bio300TDTdriver]

$3.35 in Mt. Vernon, WA.